Carol McGiffin hits out at Loose Women's ‘exhausting' wardrobe rules as she reveals body part they banned from showing
The broadcaster, 65, officially left the ITV Daytime show in 2023 following a contract dispute.
3
Loose Women has a strict wardrobe policy, according to a former pannelist
Credit: Rex
3
Carol McGiffin says the panel were told what to wear and everything needed to be 'coordinated'
Credit: Rex
While she's still pals with her former co-stars, she hasn't got many good things to say about the higher ups.
Taking a swipe at her former employers, Carol wrote in her Best magazine column: "If those in charge had spent less time obsessing over wardrobe policy and allowed presenters to be themselves, allowing them to say what they think rather than what they wanted them to think, they might not be losing 200+ jobs."
She went on: "TV bosses, in my experience, love telling their 'on-screen talent' what to wear, as well as what to say.
"I did Loose Women for almost 20 years and the mandated dress codes used to exhaust me."
READ MORE ON LOOSE WOMEN
Carol, who first appeared on the series in 2000 before she quit in 2023, said one fleeting rule they enforced was a ban on bare arms being shown on screen.
She said: "We went from wearing our own clothes to being bought stuff to adhere to ludicrous wardrobe policies like 'no arms on show' ...
"Presumably because our ageing biceps were morphing into bingo wings which the (male) boss at the time had decided were offensive.
"Another female(!) boss once ordered all the women to wear high heels as well.
Most read in Reality
"I always loathed being 'dressed' or 'styled' as they preferred to call it.
"You always had to be coordinated up to the eyeballs in nice slacks, wrap dresses or boiler suits."
Watch as Kaye Adams breaks silence on Loose Women cuts
She continued: "It used to make me shudder, nearly as much as the insane amount of waste on unimaginable amounts of clothes that had mostly only been worn once."
Carol sparked a feud with bosses when she left the show, making multiple rebukes i
ncluding
.
It comes as ITV announced redundancies across its Daytime TV shows.
The reshuffle comes amid a
3
Carol time on Loose Women came to an end in 2023
Credit: Rex
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I like posting sexy pics but there's thing I'd never do says Emmerdale's Rebecca Sarker as she tells all about soap role
The soap star's posts have also attracted compliments from men describing her as 'beautiful' — but Rebecca makes it very clear she is happily married SOAP SIREN I like posting sexy pics but there's thing I'd never do says Emmerdale's Rebecca Sarker as she tells all about soap role Emmerdale actress Rebecca Sarker loves posing in cheeky outfits – after proud husband Rico convinced her to show off her sizzling figure on social media. But unlike her character Dr Manpreet Sharma, who posted racy snaps on a fictional subscription site, the soap star says she would not strip off for OnlyFans. 6 I like posting sexy pics but I'd never go on OnlyFans, says Rebecca Sarker Credit: Getty 6 Rebecca Sarker was urged to show off her incredible figure on Instagram by her proud husband Credit: Instagram/rebeccasarker When Rebecca first joined the ITV soap, she would share behind-the-scenes pictures for her followers on social media — until Rico convinced her to be bolder. In an exclusive interview, Rebecca, 50, says: 'A few years ago I had been doing some stunt scenes for Emmerdale wearing Lycra pants and a sports bra. 'I sent a picture of me to my husband as I'd been doing some working out and I thought I looked quite good. 'He said, 'Post it on Instagram'. My immediate reaction was, 'No, no, I can't post that'. 'But after checking with the production team asking if it was too outrageous, I was assured it wasn't.' Since then, Rebecca has regularly posted pics of herself in swimsuits and outfits showing off her fab figure. She admits she loves it and is flying the flag for older women after getting such a positive reaction. Rebecca says: 'I've had a lot of really lovely responses — mainly from women. 'They have sent nice messages saying, 'Yeah come on . . . #strongwoman and #girlpower'.' 'Nothing wrong with a bikini holiday snap' Her posts have also attracted compliments from men describing her as 'beautiful' — but Rebecca, who is mum to two boys aged 19 and 14, makes it very clear she is happily married. Emmerdale episode sees Manpreet and and Ruby arrested She says: 'I think my posts are sufficiently tongue-in-cheek for people to know what I am doing. 'This is just a little sideline. This is fun and it works for me. 'I see my Instagram as like a brand. I won't post any pictures of my family and friends unless they want me to. 'I like keeping fit. I try to go three times a week to either the gym or I go out cycling, and I did ITV's The Games in 2022 too. This is me saying, 'I like staying healthy'. Manpreet was emotionally vulnerable when she set up her subscription account. She had a failed relationship behind her and needed a boost to her self-esteem Rebecca 'There is nothing wrong with posting a bikini holiday snap on Instagram. It's me being a bit cheeky, having some fun and it's a chance to show I am happy in myself with how I look and happy being fit and healthy.' It's a far different story for Rebecca's character. In March, village GP Manpreet shared intimate pictures of herself after setting up a profile on a site called Fans Only. But she was distraught when a mystery person threatened to expose her unless she handed over £5,000. Mortified, Manpreet was forced to close the account down before discovering scheming businessman Joe Tate was behind the blackmail plot. Rebecca says: 'Manpreet was emotionally vulnerable when she set up her subscription account. She had a failed relationship behind her and needed a boost to her self-esteem. 'It was a lot of fun to play this storyline but there certainly wouldn't be a blurring of fiction and reality for me, as Rebecca.' 6 Rebecca's posts have also attracted compliments from men describing her as 'beautiful' Credit: Instagram/rebeccasarker 6 There is nothing wrong with posting a bikini holiday snap on Instagram. It's me being a bit cheeky, says Rebecca Credit: Instagram But she adds with a laugh: 'I wouldn't say no to an Only Flans account, though — I love baking.' This week viewers have seen the actress in another major storyline. Manpreet finally discovered her sister Meena was a murderer after she killed three people in 2022. She has also had a romance with vicar Charles Anderson and a one-night stand in April with bad boy Ross Barton — which led to her ending up in a police cell after a catfight with fiery Ruby Milligan, played by Beth Cordingly. Ladies man Ross had also dated Ruby's daughter Steph, who has now left the village for good. Rebecca says: 'Ruby is understandably very protective of her daughter and blames Manpreet's one-night stand with Ross for Steph's exit. 'When she saw Manpreet canoodling again with Ross on the doorstep, she put two and two together to get five. 'They had a fight that led to a night in a police cell together. 'But after learning more about each other's past, they had a real 360 moment and it made them very mellow and sentimental. It was poignant, and soap drama at its best.' I am Yorkshire born and bred and it feels like going home whenever I am on set Rebecca It is this kind of drama that has kept Rebecca loving her job and never experiencing the urge to leave after seven years on the soap. She says: 'I haven't had the seven-year itch. I still love playing Manpreet just as much as I did when I joined. 'I love the fact every time I get a new story, it's something completely different and it introduces another facet to her character. She is never one-dimensional.' Rebecca — who has played two doctors on TV — grew up in Halifax, West Yorks, in a medical family. She says there was never any pressure from GP dad Khaleque or mum Elizabeth, a nurse, to go down the medical route, and her dentist brother persuaded her to try acting. Her first TV role, aged 23, was playing Nita Desai, part of Coronation Street's first Asian family, in 1999. She was a doctor in two episodes of EastEnders in 2007 before heading to Emmerdale. 6 Soap fans are now speculating about whether Manpreet and Ruby will now become best friends Credit: ITV 6 The actress admits she is excited to take part in whatever comes next for her character Credit: ITV But despite growing up in Yorkshire, she now lives in Essex and does the 200-mile commute to the studios every week, returning to her family on a Friday night. She admits that she was hesitant at first but her sons convinced her to take the job and it helped that her husband was able to work from home to be there for the boys. Rebecca says: 'I am Yorkshire born and bred and it feels like going home whenever I am on set. It's such a beautiful environment to be in. You go where the work is. It's a tough gig being an actor but it works very well and I am lucky to have a family that is so supportive while I am away. 'Actually, when I got the job, I didn't think I could do it but my kids said, 'Of course you can — don't be ridiculous. We will make it work'. 'Nobody is bigger than the show' 'I take my lead from them and if it ever felt too difficult or it was affecting them adversely I would have to rethink. But they are brilliant. 'They were 12 and seven when I joined and now they are 19 and 14 — so juggling has got a bit easier too.' Soap fans are now speculating about whether Manpreet and Ruby will now become best friends. Rebecca says: 'These are two women who can be brutally honest with each other and say it as it is. 'Ruby has never had that before. Their connection is now too strong to dissipate.' The actress admits she is excited to take part in whatever comes next for her character. Rebecca says: 'I love seeing her develop. She has some great lines and I hope viewers think she is real and plausible. 'I do feel she has more to offer but obviously nobody is bigger than the show. 'If my time ever comes up, so be it, and I have had a wonderful time. 'But I love it on Emmerdale. I am proud to be a part of it.'
The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I removed breast implants after terrifying cancer scare, reveals This Morning's Josie Gibson as she tells of her ordeal
Josie however has no regrets about having her implants removed ten years on, insisting she now has 'peace of mind' CANCER SCARE I removed breast implants after terrifying cancer scare, reveals This Morning's Josie Gibson as she tells of her ordeal THIS Morning star Josie Gibson has revealed she went through a terrifying cancer scare after finding a large lump in her breast. She discovered it was related to one of her breast implants and had them both removed. 4 Josie Gibson has revealed she went through a terrifying cancer scare after finding a large lump in her breast Credit: Getty 4 Presenter Josie on Good Morning Britain this month Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Advertisement Talking about the 2023 ordeal for the first time, Josie, 40, told the Sun on Sunday: 'I had a big lump underneath my left boob and I was getting really worried about it. 'You could actually see it protruding — you could see the breast had changed shape, so I was getting a little bit frightened. 'So I went to my GP and he had a feel around — it was my breast implant. I went and I had them out and, for me, it was one of the best things I've done.' Josie, a regular presenter on the ITV show, had a breast enhancement operation in 2013 to take her from a B cup to a DD. Advertisement But she has no regrets about having them removed ten years on, insisting she now has 'peace of mind'. It has inspired Josie to join forces with tombola bingo and charity Breast Cancer Now for their new 'eyes down, check up' campaign. Josie has been busy pounding the streets for the campaign, which aims to raise awareness of symptoms and changes to watch out for, as well as raise up to £1million for charity. She said: 'We only ever talk about breast cancer when something bad happens. Let's make it part of the conversation.' Advertisement Josie, who launched diet website Slimmables in 2015, is also now busy renovating her £1.1million home outside Bath, living in a caravan on site. And the star, who found fame on Big Brother in 2010, revealed the stress of the project has left her going grey. Tombola in Partnership with Breast Cancer Now She said: 'Basically, I've just made my life a lot more stressful. Put it this way, I've been dying my hair.' Hands-on Josie is getting stuck into the renovation with the help of family and pals and jokes: 'I've been doing so much manual labour, I have embraced my inner bloke.' The single mum to Reggie, six, has apple trees on the property and even hopes to make her own cider. Advertisement She jokes that Jeremy Clarkson, who produces his own Hawkstone Cider, better watch out, adding: 'It's a cider off, Clarkson!' The process will be documented in the proud Bristolian's upcoming ITV series Josie's Taste of the West Country. To find out more about the campaign, visit If you're worried about breast cancer, speak to expert nurses now by calling Breast Cancer Now's free helpline on 0808 800 6000. 4 Josie launched her diet website Slimmables in 2015 Credit: Getty What are the signs of breast cancer? BREAST cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. The majority of women who get it are over 50, but younger women and, in rare cases, men can also get breast cancer. If it's treated early enough, breast cancer can be prevented from spreading to other parts of the body. Breast cancer can have a number of symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue. Most breast lumps aren't cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by your doctor. You should also speak to your GP if you notice any of the following: a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts discharge from either of your nipples (which may be streaked with blood) a lump or swelling in either of your armpits dimpling on the skin of your breasts a rash on or around your nipple a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast Source: NHS
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
X-Factor stars marry in stunning Scottish ceremony nine years after they both appeared on ITV show
The couple were childhood sweethearts who appeared on the same series in harmony X-Factor stars marry in stunning Scottish ceremony nine years after they both appeared on ITV show TWO stars of The X Factor have married in a stunning Scottish ceremony - nine years after they both appeared on the show. Emily Middlemas first appeared on the ITV series in 2014 but failed to make it to the live shows. 5 Two stars of The X Factor have married in a stunning Scottish ceremony Credit: @kieranstewart 5 Emily Middlemas appeared on The X Factor in 2016 and made it to the semi-final Credit: Splash News Advertisement 5 Her childhood sweetheard Ryan Lawrie was also on the series Credit: Splash News However, she returned two years later and not only made it to the semi-final, but also got to share the experience with her boyfriend, Ryan Lawrie. The childhood sweethearts had started dating in 2015, and Emily was heartbroken when Ryan was sent home after a sing off against divisive rapper, Honey G. However, there were only tears of joy on Friday when the couple tied the knot in a stunning ceremony near Glasgow. Advertisement Emily, 26, shared a series of snaps from her big day on Instagram and captioned them: "Mr & Mrs Lawrie." The singer - who performs under the name ili - looked beautiful in a flowing wedding gown with a sweetheart neckline. Meanwhile Ryan - who writes songs for other artists under the moniker KoolKid - wore a traditional Scottish kilt. One picture saw Ryan sweep his new wife into his arms and tilt her backwards for a kiss at the altar, while another showed the newlyweds laughing as they cuddled on the grass in the sunshine. Advertisement The couple were also seen taking to the dancefloor at their reception for their first dance, with their friends and family all crowded around to watch. Later, Emily switched into a second dress so she could really bust a move. It was a short, strapless white dress covered in pearls and she teamed it with a silver pair of Crocs. Ryan Lawrie admits he wants to win X Factor over girlfriend Emily Middlemas After their big day, Ryan reposted the snaps of their wedding as well as a picture of their new 'Mr and Mrs' mugs. He wrote: "Thank you to everyone who attended our big day & for all your beautiful cards/gifts. It means the world to us. Lots of love." Advertisement Their wedding comes three years after Ryan proposed at the Giza Pyramids in Egypt in June 2022. 5 Ryan was sent home after a sing off with Honey G Credit: Splash News
